Reentry Experiences Research Articles

Prevalent Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Young Adults Returning Home From Jail: The Need for Trauma-Informed Reentry Services.

Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the extent to which they relate to health among young adults (ages 18-25) returning home from jail is underexamined. To build on the growing literature examining associations between ACE exposure among young people involved with carceral systems and health, we (1) measured ACE prevalence and (2) explored associations between ACEs and health/well-being indicators among young adults experiencing reentry. Using a telephone survey on reentry experiences, participants completed an ACE screening, single-item responses on health and social indicators, and five-item responses on substance misuse. Fisher's exact tests and t tests compared sociodemographic and health-related factors by the levels of ACEs. Among the 85 participants, 66 (78%) reported four or more ACEs and 48 (56%) reported six or more ACEs, including divorced parents (n = 69, 81%), witnessing violence (n = 63, 74%), and household member incarceration (n = 60, 71%). Higher exposure to ACEs was associated with mental health diagnoses, psychiatric medication prescriptions, psychiatric hospitalizations, drug dependence, binge drinking, and cannabis misuse. High ACE exposure among young adults experiencing reentry portends worse mental health and high rates of substance use. Findings signify an opportunity to apply a trauma-focused developmental framework to support emerging adults during the crucial reentry period.

Others matter when mothers return: An investigation of relational movement and its role in post-maternity leave reentry transitions

Post-maternity leave reentry, the period when mothers return to work following a maternity leave, is a profound transition in a woman's life that often sets the foundation for her work and career progression. While scholars have looked at the intraindividual aspects of this transition, the experience of reentry extends beyond the returning mother. This transition occurs in a dynamic relational and organizational system that impacts a returning mother's adjustment to work. In this study, we bring relational dynamics to the forefront of this transition as we examine how and why returning mothers' work-based relationships shift during reentry and the implications this has for returning mothers' readjustment. Drawing on qualitative data from academic mothers' retrospective accounts of their reentry transitions, our findings reveal that returning mothers experience relational movement, defined as perceived shifts in one's relational experiences. Our findings provide evidence of how relational movement plays a role in facilitating returning mothers' well-being as they readjust to work. Our theorizing of how and why relational movement occurs during reentry transitions brings to focus the complex, changing nature of women's relationships with colleagues during this time, as well as implications for women's broader workplace and career experiences.

“Nobody is really going to hire a 69-year-old man with a felony record”: challenges finding employment for older, formerly incarcerated individuals

Despite the aging of those in our prisons and the increasing numbers of older incarcerated individuals returning home, much of the research on reentry challenges focuses on the experiences of individuals under the age of 50. Using in-depth interviews with 19 formerly incarcerated individuals who were released after the age of 50, we examined their reentry experience, particularly in regards to finding employment. We found that while this population experienced barriers to finding a job that were similar to their younger counterparts (e.g., stigma, the lack of proper documentation, etc.), they also struggled to find employment due to age-related factors like deteriorating health, ageism, and digital illiteracy. The results from this study can help policymakers better prepare for and appropriately anticipate the needs of its older returning citizens, a group often left out of most reentry discussions.

Motherhood, Trauma and Justice: A Critical Look at Black Women's Reentry Pathways

Objectives: This article seeks to investigate the particular problems that Black mothers with justice involvement experience upon reentry and to offer a more effective framework for their assistance. Hypothesis: Traditional reentry frameworks fail to address the complexity that emerges from the combination of race, gender, and trauma experienced by Black mothers. Methods: The article conducts a critical intersectional analysis using Critical Race Theory (CRT), Black Feminist Theory (BFT), and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). This study analyzes previous research and combines the findings from each framework. Results: The research demonstrates three essential things: that systemic racism in the criminal justice system disproportionately imprisons Black women, contributing to unfavorable reentry experiences; that Black women show perseverance and opposition to carceral regimes, but their unique perspectives and agency are frequently left unattended; and that trauma is common among Black women and has an immense impact on their reentry experiences. The requirement for trauma-informed support programs is vital. Conclusion: Based on the findings, a re-conceptualized reintegration support framework is presented, focusing on racial justice, gender equality, and the well-being of Black women and their families.

Qualitative Analysis of School Re-Entry Experiences of Turkish Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer: Parental Perspective

This study aimed to explore the school re-entry experiences of Turkish survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer. In this qualitative study, semistructured in-depth interviews were undertaken with parents of childhood cancer survivors who had completed treatment for at least 2 years (n = 20). Interviews were conducted via telephone or video conferencing. The study was conducted and reported according to the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) guidelines. The components of qualitative rigor were considered to ensure confidence in the methods and data. The average age of parents was 43.20 ± 4.66 years (range 37-55) (n = 20). The mean age of survivors was 8.45 ± 2.03 years at diagnosis and 15.05 ± 2.08 years during the study. The diagnosis of most of the survivors was lymphoma (35%). Four main themes were developed: worry; challenging situations; negative effects of the disease process; and facilitating situations. Parents stated that both children and parents need support during the school re-entry process. This study revealed that survivors may experience problems that make school re-entry difficult. With cooperation between the health team and the school, arrangements should be made to ensure survivors have a positive experience on school re-entry. Pediatric oncology nurses should know survivors' requirements and take action to deliver school re-entry adjustment programs.

“I Feel like I Have ‘Prison’ Tattooed on my Forehead”: Women’s Trajectories after Release from Incarceration

Although reentry has been well explored, less is known about women’s reentry trajectories and whether reentry experiences change over time. The current study explored women’s experiences from prison release to 15-months post-release using interviews with 29 women across four states. Themes from early reentry (2 weeks–4 months) underscored women’s struggle for survival. Women were dependent on informal support, struggling to readjust to mothering, and experiencing stigma from potential employers. Themes from later reentry (8–15 months) mostly portrayed the complexities of social support as mothering remained challenging, family support became a double-edged sword, and formal support services were difficult to access.

CN41 Qualitative analysis of school re-entry experiences of turkish childhood cancer survivors: Parental perspective

CN41 Qualitative analysis of school re-entry experiences of turkish childhood cancer survivors: Parental perspective

Gendered Prison and Reentry Experiences: Perspectives From Rural People on Parole

The present study unites and builds on existing research about gendered reentry experiences and gender-responsive approaches in prison through its analysis of 74 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with people on parole. Taking a gender-responsive approach, the project’s twofold research question asked how rural people conceptualized men’s and women’s prisons as gendered institutions and the various ways in which they understand their individual experiences in prison as gendered. Analysis resulted in three primary themes: [1] structural and institutional gender discrimination; [2] solidarity as supportive for women versus solidarity as protective for men; and [3] emotional regulation in peer relationships. Taken together, our findings add nuance to understandings of the profound impact of gender on incarceration and reentry and offer support for the expansion of gender-responsive approaches to both men’s and women’s institutions.

Suicidal ideation during the transitioning from prison to the community: financial hardship, relational distress, health issues, and gender

Individuals who had contact with the criminal justice system are at high risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. The links between suicide risk and adverse experiences during the transition from prison to community are not well understood. This study sought to fill that gap by examining adverse reentry experiences as determinants of suicidal ideation among post-incarcerated men and women. Longitudinal data documenting reentry experiences during the first four to eight months after release were analyzed in binary cross tabulations and multivariate regression models. Results indicated that multiple reentry barriers in financial, relational and health domains exerted positive effects on suicidal ideation. Further, gender intersected with reentry barriers to predict suicidal ideation. Post-incarcerated women were more sensitive to relational reentry barriers, whereas health-related barriers exerted an amplified effect on suicidal ideation for their male counterparts. Policy implications and directions for future research are provided.

Release, Reentry, and Reintegration During COVID-19: Perspectives of Individuals Recently Released from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a large negative impact on people in U.S. prisons. Expedited releases from prison were one strategy used to decrease morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. However, little is known about the reentry experiences of those being rapidly released from custody early in the pandemic. We aimed to examine the perspectives of former residents in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) regarding release, reentry, and reintegration into their respective communities. We conducted semistructured interviews with 21 recently released individuals primarily recruited through legal aid organizations between September and October 2021. Subjects were incarcerated before and during the early surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. We coded transcripts thematically with domains developed a priori in which we revised iteratively and inductively based on the data. Several major themes emerged. Participants reported that they needed to advocate for themselves to take advantage of the early release process. Compared with normal circumstances, they reported a lack of reentry planning and preparation before participants were released. Finally, experiences with reintegration varied but were often more challenging due to COVID-19. Residents released during COVID-19 reported many challenges with reentry that could have been mitigated by support and guidance from the BOP. Reentry is a process that should begin prelease and continues postrelease to ensure individuals have adequate structural and social supports. Inadequate reentry support has significant impacts on the health and well-being of recently released individuals and contributes to the broader context of achieving health equity for minitorized groups who are disproportionately overrepresented in prisons. Policy and practice reform is needed to address the time-sensitive, life-threatening challenges individuals face when transitioning from prison to community.

“Just fighting for my life to stay alive”: a qualitative investigation of barriers and facilitators to community re-entry among people with opioid use disorder and incarceration histories

BackgroundDuring the period of community re-entry immediately following release from jail or prison, individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) face structural barriers to successful re-entry and high risk of overdose. Few published studies investigate experiences in the immediate period (i.e., first 24 h) of re-entry among people with OUD.AimTo understand the barriers and facilitators to treatment and reintegration of people with OUD during the initial transition from carceral settings back into the community.MethodsFrom January–December 2017, we conducted 42 semi-structured qualitative interviews with patients with a history of incarceration who were receiving methadone at a not-for-profit, low-barrier opioid treatment program. Interviews probed participants’ community re-entry experiences immediately following incarceration. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a Thematic Analysis approach.ResultsThe main themes described the experiences during the 24 h following release, reacclimating and navigating re-entry barriers, and re-entry preparedness and planning. Participants noted the initial 24 h to be a period of risk for returning to substance use or an opportunity to engage with OUD treatment as well as a tenuous period where many lacked basic resources such as shelter or money. When discussing the subsequent re-entry period, participants noted social challenges and persistent barriers to stable housing and employment. Participants overall described feeling unprepared for release and suggested improvements including formal transition programs, improved education, and support to combat the risk of overdose and return to substance use after incarceration.ConclusionsIn this study that qualitatively examines the experiences of people with incarceration histories and OUD enrolled in methadone treatment, we found that participants faced many barriers to community re-entry, particularly surrounding basic resources and treatment engagement. Participants reported feeling unprepared for release but made concrete suggestions for interventions that might improve the barriers they encountered. Future work should examine the incorporation of these perspectives of people with lived experience into the development of transition programs or re-entry classes.

Career Counselling Considerations for Mothers Returning to Work

Women transitioning back to work from motherhood face complex challenges, including changes in their self-concept, priorities, self-confidence, and career-related beliefs. To effectively support mothers contemplating workforce reentry, career counsellors must understand the unique interplay between their clients’ home, community, and previous work lives and its impact on their career development. This article integrates relevant concepts from the career development theories of Super, Krumboltz, and Social Cognitive Career Theory with current literature to inform career counselling interventions aimed at optimizing the reentry experiences of mothers returning to work.

Causes of Parole Revocation Through the Lens of the Youth: A Qualitative Analysis of Potential Factors

Studies on the experience of reentry following confinement in a correctional facility for youth offenders is limited, and often quantitative. Using qualitative data gathered through structured interviews with 43 youths, this study examined potential risk and protective factors connected with parole revocation. For this sample, the most significant risk factors experienced were related to substance use, failure to receive needed mental health services, and poor relationships and communication with their parole officer. The findings underscore the importance of social support for youth recently released from secure care confinement, and specific examples of actions and approaches that can interfere with youths’ feelings of support are provided. Multiple policy and programming recommendations for the juvenile justice system are offered.

Caregiver Experiences of Adolescent School Reentry After Adolescent Hospitalization Due to Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Recommendations to Improve Reentry Practices.

Suicide rates among adolescents increased over the past few decades. Following psychiatric hospitalization, many adolescents return to school, a context that can influence recovery. Families can play an integral role in supporting adolescents through the hospitalization and school reentry process; however, little research has focused on family experiences during adolescent school reentry. Grounded in ecological systems theory, the aim of the present study was to explore the experiences of caregivers whose children were hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) and provide recommendations for the school reentry process. In-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers (n=19) whose adolescents returned to school following hospitalization for suicide-related crises. Researchers analyzed the transcribed interviews using applied thematic analysis. Themes emerged regarding academic difficulties during hospitalization; breakdowns in communication between schools, families, and hospitals; logistical challenges during the school reentry planning process; and challenges navigating peer relationships and academics following school reentry. Few reentry recommendations account for the specific challenges faced by families. Recommendations informed by caregiver experiences are needed to ensure that families can effectively support the recoveries of their children. This study presents caregiver-informed recommendations to facilitate an improved reentry process for caregivers and adolescents.

Us helping us: The evolution of a peer support group for formerly incarcerated people.

IntroductionPhysical, psychological, and emotional trauma experienced while incarcerated influences subsequent mental health outcomes. Upon release, there is a fragmented landscape of mental health services and many of the existing services do not account for the root causes of challenges faced by formerly incarcerated people (FIP). To address the unmet social, psychological, behavioral, and emotional needs of FIP in Louisiana, the Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) Group developed a twelve-unit curriculum in 2019.MethodsWe detail the evolution, development, and evaluation of the FIPS Group program. Additionally, we describe the community-driven process for developing the curriculum.ResultsThe FIPS Group has grown from informal meetings of a handful of FIP in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a multi-state, interdisciplinary network of more than 150 stakeholders. FIPS Group has developed the only peer support curriculum we are aware of that is designed by FIP, for FIP, and uses the shared experience of incarceration and reentry as its organizing principle. Limitations of the model include the lack of pending evaluation data and challenges with technological proficiency among FIP.ConclusionsThe FIPS Group model may be generalized in a number of settings. Similar approaches may benefit the mental health of the millions of Americans involved in the criminal-legal system.

A first look at the reentry experiences of juvenile lifers released in Philadelphia.

A first look at the reentry experiences of juvenile lifers released in Philadelphia.

Violent Victimization During Reentry: Prevalence, Triggers, and Impact on Mental Health

Victimization is associated with a cascade of negative outcomes, and the literature has been enriched by research that situates victimization in the life context of key social groups such as children, youth, women, and veterans. Yet, less is known about violent victimization in the context of prisoner reentry. Using longitudinal data documenting reentry experiences, the current study examines the prevalence, triggers and impact of victimization among returning citizens with specific attention given to mental health outcomes. Longitudinal multilevel modeling is employed to estimate the heterogenous victimization experiences among respondents as well as the temporal change in victimization over the follow-up period of a respondent. Results underscore an alarmingly high rate of victimization against returning citizens. Risky neighborhood and family environments are significant predictors of their victimization. Upon victimization, the respondents’ mental health deteriorates. Policy implications and directions for the future research are provided.

"It was there when I came home": young adults and jail reentry in the context of COVID-19.

In this study, the authors explore how young adults navigated the dual challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and jail reentry in a large urban environment. Fifteen young adults (aged 18–25) participated in up to nine monthly semi-structured interviews to discuss their experiences of reentry during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., spring and summer 2020). Participants held mixed attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19. Several participants viewed the pandemic as a hoax, while others took the pandemic more seriously, particularly if their friends and family members had contracted the virus. Yet nearly all participants viewed the pandemic as having a relatively minimal impact on their lives compared to the weight of their reentry challenges and probation requirements. Young adults described COVID-19 stay-at-home orders as limiting their exposure to negative influences and facilitating compliance with probation requirements. However, resource closures due to COVID-19, including schools, employment programs, and social services presented barriers to reentry success. The authors draw upon these findings to pose implications for interventions supporting young adult reentry.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12103-022-09683-8.

Towards occupational resilience: A model to facilitate high school participation post traumatic brain injury.

This article describes the model components of a study that applied a two-phased approach towards the development of an occupational resilience model. The occupational therapy practice model that is proposed seeks to facilitate high school re-entry and school participation post traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study's first phase generated results on participants' experiences of high school re-entry and school participation post TBI. These findings contributed to the second phase of developing a practice model to improve upon school transition practice for learners post TBI. The study's first phase comprised a qualitative multi-case study of eight cases. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, participant and contextual observation, and document analysis. Data analysis was performed via an inductive process combined with cross-case synthesis. Phase 2 employed theory generation, suggesting an occupational therapy practice model for facilitating high school participation post TBI. Participant responses revealed, following the onset of the TBI, a need for adolescents to display resilience in order to re-participate in school. This was displayed by adolescents adapting through drawing upon personal and environmental resources as well as preparing for and engaging in occupation. A deeper understanding of the experiences of key role players involved in the school transition post TBI, combined with theory generation, formed the basis of developing the proposed model of occupational resilience. Occupational resilience, through a series of resilience-promoting tasks, is offered as a mechanism to increase learners' capacity to adapt to occupational challenges and meaningfully participate in school post TBI.

‘You have been punished in prison. And then when you are released, you are punished for life’: Post-incarceration barriers for women in Ukraine

Formerly incarcerated women face multidimensional barriers post-release, ranging from individual, relational, institutional, to systemic. Drawing on the conceptual framework of interlocking barriers facing formerly incarcerated women, this qualitative case study set in one minimum-security prison in Ukraine with 21 interviewed women, four teachers, and eight staff demonstrates that interlocking systemic barriers cemented in Ukrainian society complicate formerly incarcerated women’s integration in society and may set them up for failure and recidivism. The study illuminates how the absence of housing, employment and discrimination, stigma, inadequate support system, lack of economic and cultural capital to pursue further education, and health challenges confronting incarcerated women post-release disadvantage the already vulnerable population in Ukraine. The findings of this study contribute to the field of sociology by highlighting the interlocking barriers confronting women post-incarceration and elucidating a gendered approach to understanding women’s reentry experiences in Ukraine.